Online Learning: Does it make the grade?
...ver, some of that appeal may tarnish for those students who complete their online degree, and find themselves unable to put their knowledge to use. According to a study conducted by two university professors (Carneville, 2005, p.1), employers are very unsure of hiring a graduate of online learning. Jonathon Adams, an associate professor and mastermind of the study, stated, “Given the choice between two equal candidates for a job, employers indicated that they would hire the person with the traditional degree over someone with a degree from a virtual institution.” Although Adams did go on to say (Carneville, 2005 p.2), employers are more acceptable to graduates who have mixed their class loads with online and traditional face to face curriculum. Now, before you go running for the door with your book bag to get back into a traditional class, it is important to note how several corporate learning executives feel about online degrees (“T+D,” 2005, p.44). Of the respondents, the majorities see a continued growth in their organizations for online learning and nearly half of the survey takers saw online learning just as valuable as traditional classrooms. There are others who feel the discussion should not be whether online learning is as valuable as traditional classroom, but whether on-site learning is as effective as online (Fowler, 2005, p.1). Some even say that the on-site classes need to become as well developed as online courses (Fowler, 2005, p.2). The issue of online student assessment and how much one truly learns seems to raise a few eyebrows. That is because some feel that there is no way to control the environment. Kay Wijekumer, assistant professor at Pennsylvania State University, admits that the environmental factors that online students face are outside of the realm of control (Lorenzetti, 09/2005, p1). However, Wijekumer states, “Just by answering questions, [a student] doesn’t learn much but they do if they have to explain.” Using tools like chat rooms, video conferencing, and phone meetings help accomplish that (Lorenzetti, 09/2005, p.2). Many students quickly realize that online learning is not for everyone. One must be committed and dedicated to their goals. There takes a certain discipline and drive to succeed (Lorenzetti, 06/2005). No one can argue that online learning is growing in huge proportions. I don’t think there are many who will challenge a platform that reaches out and allows so many to reap the harvest of higher education. None the less, the question still remains, Online Learni...